When it comes to keeping pools clean and the type of water to use is whether salt chlorinators or ozone generator pool systems are better. While sat trended for some time, CD ozone generator pool systems are definitely the better choice in almost every situation. Here’s why.
Salt Offers Few Added Benefits and Several Detriments
Saltwater pools started trending in Australia more than 25 years ago and the salt chlorine generator has been the chic pool sanitizer for the last few years. Why? Because of two reasons. First, chlorine is continuously generated so owners don’t have to dose the pool. Second, people love the feel of salty water. While these two benefits exist, they aren’t enough of a benefit to deal with the significant downsides to salt.
One detriment of salt is that it is difficult to dispose of legally. Municipalities have strict regulations because the water can kill plants and wildlife and be harmful to drinking water. Special research must be done and arrangements made in order to properly dispose of the water from a salt water pool.
The danger to plants and wildlife isn’t simply during disposal, though. Saltwater pools often lead to damage to landscaping and plantings around the pool due to the mix of chemicals in the water.
Another detriment of salt is that it is a corrosive material and actually slowly destroys the swimming pool. While there are products that may slow the process, eventually work is needed to repair the damage. Areas around the pool, like decks, and furniture and accessories can also be damaged by salt.
Many pool owners love the idea of not having to dose their pool if it is salt however there is still chlorine in saltwater pools, it is just at a less intense level and created in the generator. All of the problems with chlorine, and the hypochlorous acid produced by adding chlorine to the water, still exist with a saltwater pool. While dosing is not required, pool chemistry must still be carefully monitored and kept in balance as with a regular chlorine pool.
The Salt Trend is Ending
While the convenience of having chlorine generated right in the pool is a perk and the fact that salt chlorinators, when properly sized, installed, and cleaned regularly can maintain a low level of chlorine continuously in the pool water, people are moving away from saltwater pools.
Salt as the primary sanitizer leads to the problems discussed earlier: disposal and corrosion.
Use Ozone as the Primary Sanitizer
Properly sizing and installing a pool ozone generator as the primary sanitizer with a salt chlorine generator producing supplemental chlorine is the best choice for a system. This combination of ozone and a low background of chlorine creates a safe, healthy, pool with water that feels good but doesn’t bring with it the harmful side effects of salt and chlorine.